One of my older brothers recently texted me, “We need Hercules today.” This is a guy who spends most days standing in front of the United Nations in New York City with a sign that reads, Peace. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or if everyone is in agreement, but Disney just launched a whole new cruise ship dedicated to heroes, featuring Hercules, and after a three day float around the Bahamas, I would add my resounding yes, a true hero is exactly what we all need. For as Zeus told us, “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but the strength of his heart.” We lucky ones know someone who fits this definition; I am so grateful that for me it is my younger brother who not only voiced the Disney Hercules but let me tag along on his working holiday aboard the Disney Destiny.

As you peruse my photos on this extraordinary excursion, I invite you to sing along to “A Star is Born” from the Disney “Hercules” Soundtrack. Music by: Alan Menken; Lyrics by: David Zippel; Original Score by: Alan Menken; Vocals: Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan, and Vaneese Thomas (The Muses) and Chorus. The song is ©1997 Wonderland Music Company, Inc. (BMI)/Walt Disney Music Company (ASCAP). All right reserved.

Gonna shout it from the mountaintops
A star is born
It’s a time for pulling out the stops
A star is born
Honey, hit us with a hallelu
The kid came shining through
Girl, sing the song
Come blow your horn
A star is born

He’s a hero who can please the crowd
A star is born
Come on ev’rybody shout out loud
A star is born
Just remember in the darkest hour
Within your heart’s the power
For making you a hero too
So don’t lose hope when you’re forlorn
Just keep your eyes upon the skies
Ev’ry night a star is
Right in sight a star is
Burning bright a star is born

Like a beacon in the cold dark night
A star is born
Told ya ev’rything would turn out right
A star is born
Just when ev’rything was all at sea
The boy made history
The bottom line
He sure can shine
His rising sign is Capricorn
He knew “how to”
He had a clue
Telling you a star is born

Here’s a hero who can please the crowd
A star is born
Come on ev’rybody shout out loud
A star is born
Just remember in the darkest hour
Within your heart’s the power
For making you a hero too
So don’t lose hope when you’re forlorn
Just keep your eyes upon the skies
Ev’ry night a star is born
Right in sight a star is
Burning bright a star is born

There is so much to learn about being a real hero, but it really does start with the heart. I am so grateful for knowing this one. Thanks @t8dono, you’re the real Herc, xxoo